Celebrating Phenomenal Woman: Shiluva Manyike
A Childhood that Shaped Her Calling
Shiluva grew up in Giyani, raised by her mother, a teacher, and her father, a police officer. Her childhood was filled with love, structure, and encouragement to pursue her dreams. At first, she aspired to study medicine, but life’s challenges shifted her path. The separation of her parents and later the loss of her mother led her to seek help from social workers and psychologists. Their support inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others.
Inspired by Her Role Model
Her greatest role model was her late mother — a teacher, community leader, and entrepreneur who never stopped giving of herself. From running a preschool in her village to always making time for her students and family, her mother embodied selflessness. Shiluva carries this legacy forward in her own work.
Choosing Social Work as a Calling
For Shiluva, becoming a social worker was not just a career choice, but a destiny. She qualified as a Social Worker in 2018, began volunteering with SANCA Eastern Gauteng, and later joined Kids Haven in 2021. Today, she serves as the community-facing social worker supporting both prevention and aftercare programmes, handling individual cases and facilitating critical workshops for youth, parents, and communities.
Living Her Motto
Her life motto, drawn from a Tsonga saying, is:
“Swito teka nkarhi, mara ku fika hita fika. Swinge endleki swinga endleki.”
Translation: It might take time, but we will get there eventually. There is no way it won’t happen.
This belief fuels her persistence and patience, especially when navigating complex cases.
Restoring Hope, One Life at a Time
From ensuring children gain access to school by resolving documentation issues, to supporting victims of abuse, to making sure a child has school shoes — no act of service is too small for Shiluva. She is particularly proud of helping undocumented families regain visibility and dignity, ensuring they can access education and employment.
Every story of hope restored — like the young woman who finally received her correct documents after years of rejection — is a “standout moment” for her.
A True Phenomenal Woman
Today, Shiluva is not only a trusted social worker but also a beacon of hope in her community. Her colleagues describe her as tireless, reliable, and compassionate — a woman who notices every need and takes action. She embodies what it means to be phenomenal: lifting others, creating solutions, and never giving up on hope.
